Need help, RE: oil filter tool

[DougZ]

Guys, I have a 98 318ti, and need to know what and where to get for a tool to take off my oil filter cap. Since mine is a 96 on model, it uses that oil filter insert. I looked at Ron Stygar's web page, and it said to use a 76mm/14 segment oil filter socket to take it off. I went and got one of those, and it did not fit. What do any of you use to take off you filters if you have the same kind that I do. Thanks in advance for any help.

[sildergu]

I use one of those strap oil filter wrench things, the kind that get tighter as you pull the handle. It takes a bit of finessing to get in place, but works OK.

[oh-ness]

Why BMW didn't use the cap with the small little nut like all the other E36's is beyond me. I changed my M44's oil for the first time recently and had one hell of a time trying to find a filter tool to fit the cap. After visiting numerous parts stores the best fit I found was a 75mm metal socket wrench made by Magnum. I still wasn't able to get the cap off though, I could have tried harder but was afraid of scraping up the cap. What I ended up doing was going to the German service shop that changed oil last and had them loosen it for me...ghetto I know! The socket tool they used fit like a glove, and for $20 they ordered one for me. They also told me that M42 engine uses a different size tool than the M44. Good luck!

[fourbanger]

yes the M42 uses a different tool.. a wrench :)

yet another reason why M42 ti's kick more ass :D

[bimmerboi318]

i've got an m42 and i just use a standard oil filter wrench. should work just as well as it does with a standard filter.

[J!m]

I bought the factory tool. Trick is, you have to buy the special replacement lid, with oil pressure port, as well as the removal tool. Apparently, they don't come sperately.

Not cheap, but what is?

[Freedy]

or you could just buy an oil filter relocation kit...anyone know where to get them?

[first_bmw]

I can send the tool to you, it fits perfectly over the cap and a socket goes on the other end, it would be $25.00 shipped. I got mine directly from my mechanic.
and yes they are around $20.00.

Anyone want one ?!?

RNOEL@wi.rr.com

[KIRASIR]

This is the tool for M44 lids

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/pro_det.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=11543&group_ID=1534&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

[KIRASIR]

Got a part # for this special replacement lid?

Thanks

SL

I bought the factory tool. Trick is, you have to buy the special replacement lid, with oil pressure port, as well as the removal tool. Apparently, they don't come sperately.

Not cheap, but what is?

[J!m]

No part no. Just walked up to the parts counter and asked for the tool.

[Chrisbailiff]

or we could do it the easy way and just go get one from ur bmw dealer... the take a special fitting wrench, unless you want to be sketch about it

[hotdog19d]

I guess this may sound stupid, but I have been just taking it off by hand. It's a major pain at first trying to get off, being so tight and all, but it has always worked for me.

[TiPerformance]

Got a part # for this special replacement lid?

Thanks

SL


OIL FILTER COVER 11421715960

[L84THSKY]

I went to Autobarn, bought the plastic oil filter wrench, and it worked fine. Cost about $5.00 and is USA made. Check out my post on doing my first oil change. It details all of the replacement parts and tools with pictures. There is nothing fancy or complicated about it.




or we could do it the easy way and just go get one from ur bmw dealer... the take a special fitting wrench, unless you want to be sketch about it
http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=3670

[aceyx]

i use the same kind of generic filter wrench. walmart for $2 or autozone for $3.

hotdog; as long as you're not getting oil coming out of the threads after you screw it back on, it sounds like a fine way to handle it.

[Chrisbailiff]

you could use the plastic wrench if u find the right one, but from my experience, they always slip off when you try to tighten it anywhere past 20 Nm's.... and by hand?? how the hell do you pull that off? you must be one built mofo. lol

[hotdog19d]

I don't know, I guess I'm pretty big (6' 220) But it has never leaked when I have done this. It is a big pain in the rear, and it makes my wrist hurt, but it works.

[Chrisbailiff]

huh, idk if i would trust myself to tighten it enough... by hand...u cant be tightening it past 20Nm's tops i would think, but whatever works for ya

[aceyx]

i've never torqued an oil cap nor the plug in any car i've owned and never had a problem with it.

lugbolts on the other hand NEED to be torqued.

[96ti]

Get a wrench from Bavauto.com for about $6 if I remember correctly. Shipping is another 6 though, so make sure u buy something else to make the shipping worth it :D. The Wrench fits perfectly. Mine is for M44, I don't think Bavauto has one for M42.

[motorsport]

or you could use the might and brawn of your..HANDS

[2ndBimmer]

Using your own hands is a pain in the... fingers.
I did it that way once: took me, my gf, and my dad a half hour to do it.

[barische]

well my oild filter cap was loose last time i checked it, so i tighted it alittle bit as far as i could, i dont have no leakes, nothin, so i guess i dont need no caop wrench, even though i needed i could always use my dads wisegrip wrench set and get it loose in a sec. lol

[motorsport]

you never want to tighten the filter more than hand tight, once the oil swells up the seal it tightens up more.